LAST UPDATE | 28 Oct 2023
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND U19 international Romeo Akachukwu was Waterford’s supersub as he lit up Saturday’s League of Ireland First Division playoff semi-final with a magnificent second-half hat-trick.
Akachukwu fired Waterford to a 3-1 win against Athlone Town, and a 4-2 win on aggregate, as Keith Long’s side booked their place in next week’s First Division playoff final.
The 17-year-old was only on the pitch for less than three minutes when he finished smartly from Ronan Coughlan’s pull-back to give the Blues the lead in the 64th minute.
📽️ | Here's how Waterford took the lead against Athlone Town this afternoon!
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) October 28, 2023
They've since been pegged back, catch the final 15 minutes of regular time on LOITV 📺#LOI | #WATATH pic.twitter.com/WOayZD7xz8
Waterford’s advantage was short-lived as Frantz Pierrot drew Athlone level from the penalty spot seven minutes later, sending goalkeeper Sam Sargeant the wrong way.
📽️ | Composure for days from Frantz Pierrot to drag Athlone Town level on the day and in the tie! 😎
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) October 28, 2023
Can anyone find the winner in the next 15 minutes or are we heading for extra-time and penalties?#LOI | #WATATH pic.twitter.com/SiaeKwUg21
With extra time looming, Coughlan was again the architect, playing in Akachukwu for his second in the 78th minute.
📽️ | 17 year old Romeo Akachukwu is on a hattrick and Waterford have a place in the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division Play-Off Final in their hands again 🔥#LOI | #WATATH pic.twitter.com/HR9vPyXEWy
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) October 28, 2023
And as Athlone were forced to press forward in search of an equaliser, the teenager wrapped up his hat-trick and a day to remember in stoppage time.
📽️ | A moment he'll never forget! 3️⃣
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) October 28, 2023
Take a bow, Romeo Akachukwu 🙇#LOI | #WATATH pic.twitter.com/4GtE30BKmL
Waterford will now face Cobh Ramblers in the First Division play-off final after Shane Keegan’s side drew 1-1 with Wexford FC on Saturday evening.
Cobh led 1-0 following Tuesday’s first leg but that lead was cancelled out when James Crawford scored the opening goal for the visitors on 35 minutes.
But Jack Doherty’s cross evaded the Wexford defence 15 minutes from time and James O’Leary pounced at the back post to equalise on the night and send Cobh through on aggregate.
